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Just Facts is a 501 (c) (3)
non-profit research and educational foundation committed to high standards of
accuracy and reliability. James D. Agresti, the President and primary
researcher, holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Brown
University and has worked as a designer of jet aircraft engines, technical sales
professional and chief engineer of a firm that customizes helicopters. Stephen
F. Cardone, the Vice-President and Director of donor and coalition relations,
holds a bachelor of science in psychology and a bachelor of arts in organizational
behavior and management from Brown University. He has 18 years of private
industry experience in corporate management, operations, logistics, accounting
and customer service. Additionally, our Board of Directors and supporters are an
integral part of the Just Facts team, and help with fundraising, administration,
research and editing.
The list of those who have linked to Just Facts includes government entities at the local, state and national levels, universities, non-profit organizations, radio shows, and newspapers.
Visitors to this unique resource number in the millions and numerous
notes of appreciation
from our readers underscore the impact of this worthwhile endeavor.
It is undeniable that people involved
in policy research and journalism have personal political views. In the
interest of transparency, we think it is incumbent upon such individuals to disclose this information.
As is the case with any thoughtful group of people, the staff and board members
of Just Facts have some varying opinions, but we overwhelmingly subscribe to these defining principles
articulated in the Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that
among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
In general parlance, we are conservative/libertarian in our viewpoints.
This does not mean we only present facts that coincide with our opinions. We are
committed to objectivity and will report any fact that meets the criteria below,
regardless of the implications.
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* Facts: Every effort is made to keep the facts as plain as possible. The use of adverbs and subjective adjectives is limited.
* Excluded Facts: The only 'facts'
excluded are those that are rendered pointless by other facts and those that do not meet the Standards of Credibility listed here.
* Accuracy: Every fact is footnoted and thus, each stands or falls on its own merits. The newer sections are more scrupulously documented, and
readers can click on each footnote to view the relevant data. Before citing a source, investigative and feasibility studies are often performed to confirm and eliminate information. Some of the content on
Just Facts acutely illustrates how prestigious media entities sometimes provide erroneous and/or misleading information.
Obviously, no one is above making a mistake, and in the world of politics, deception is rampant. By publishing detailed source information, readers have a tool at their disposal to help them in forming independent judgments.
* Minor Discrepancies: These are resolved by using the figures and facts that are contrary to our viewpoints. For example,
it is our opinion that taxes are too high. Thus, if two credible sources list slightly different tax rates; say for example 21% and 23%, we use the 21% figure.
* Conclusions and Quotes: Every effort is made to keep quotes within context. Conclusions and quotes made by people with vested interests are excluded except to point out inconsistencies and hypocrisy.
* Incomplete Data: Facts are excluded if critical information is unaccounted for. Example: A study determines that under a certain proposal, “taxes for the average family will increase by $700 over the next four years.” This would be excluded if the study did not account for inflation, which may add $300 to the average tax bill regardless of whether or not the proposal is adopted.
* Balance: Our goal is accuracy, not balance. Press outlets often provide quotes from people on opposing sides of an issue. This in our opinion, is a charade. Firstly, there is nothing to prevent a news source from quoting the most compelling argument from one side and the weakest of the other. Secondly, such soundbites are often loaded with rhetoric and misinformation. Our purpose is to publish objective facts regardless of the views they support, not to
circulate half-truths and propaganda.
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While today's news media can be
entertaining, ask yourself, "Does it give me the information I need to make good
decisions in my life and at the ballot box?"
Make the effort to gather credible facts and ponder their implications. Your
views and your vote impact not only your life, but the people around you. Refuse
to allow misinformation and bias to restrict or manipulate your thinking. Form
your own opinions based upon serious thought and broad knowledge.
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